Roy J. Fowler, former owner of Fowler’s Chocolates

Roy Joseph Fowler, of West Seneca, former owner of Fowler’s Chocolates, died July 19 in Father Baker Manor, Orchard Park, after a long illness. He was 79.

In 1963, after the death of his father, Mr. Fowler joined his uncle Ray in the family business, which had been founded by his grandfather in 1910 on Jefferson Avenue and was widely known for its sponge candy. They moved the business to a larger location on Union Road in West Seneca in 1968, which enabled them to double their sales.

He became sole owner upon the retirement of his uncle in 1978 and retired in 1994 after selling the company to a group of investors.

In retirement, Mr. Fowler operated a small candymaking firm, R.J.’s Olde English Chocolates.

Born in Buffalo, Mr. Fowler was a graduate of Amherst High School, where he established several records as a basketball player. He later was inducted into the Amherst High School Athletic Hall of Fame.

He went on to play basketball for Arizona State University and the University of Buffalo, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Before joining Fowler’s, he was an accountant for Peat, Marwick and Mitchell.

A lifelong sportsman, he enjoyed handball and bowling, and once rolled a perfect 300 game.

He also was an avid golfer and a longtime member of Springville Country Club.

Survivors include his wife, the former Irene Carr; his former wife, the former Jacqueline Brockto; two sons, Royce and Joel; four daughters, Dawn Holenski, Sheryl Gerard, Saima Horab and Kim Worgren; and a brother, Bruce.